The former US embassy building is being given a new lease of life by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, helped by a design team that includes David Chipperfield Architects, Joseph Dirand, Tristan Auer, Bar Studio and Yabu Pushelberg.

Perched on the western edge of London’s Grosvenor Square, the former American embassy, a landmark building designed by Eero Saarinen in 1960, has for years been teasing us with clues about its reincarnation as a five-star hotel. Now Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with real-estate developer Qatari Diar, has finally released more details about its second London property, which is certainly set to make a splash when it opens in 2024.

Top-notch design

Christened The Chancery Rosewood – a nod to the site’s past as the first purpose-built chancery in London – the 139-room hotel will follow the brand’s signature A Sense of Place philosophy (which takes the local sensibilities of a destination to inform the guest experience), most notably through its standout décor, brought to life by a roster of big-name architects.

For starters, the property is being given a complete overhaul by Sir David Chipperfield of David Chipperfield Architects, who has retained the building’s original features and mid-century design details, including the iconic grade II-listed façade and diagrid ceiling.

The interior design, meanwhile, is the work of French architect Joseph Dirand, who has taken his cues from the sophistication of the 1920s and the creativity and glamour of the 1960s. This translates into a rich palette defined by art deco-style detailing, walnut panelling and marble and brass accents, resulting in the ambiance of a traditional British gentlemen’s club and Rosewood’s characteristic residential vibe.

A five-star offering

Elsewhere, a series of dining spots have been outfitted by Tristan Auer and Bar Studio, while Yabu Pushelberg is behind the design of Asaya, the hotel’s wellness offering.

Said to be the both the first five-star hotel and first UK hotel to ever receive a BREEAM outstanding rating for sustainable development, the property will also have five retail outlets and a series of meeting and event spaces, including a 750-guest ballroom.

“We are proud to have The Chancery Rosewood lead the transformation of the revitalised Grosvenor Square, an incredible public-interest initiative that is nearly a decade in the making,” said Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “The gifted team of architects and designers will breathe a second life into the iconic building, which is poised to become a superlative destination in London, and we thank our partners at Qatari Diar for the chance to be a part of this remarkable project.”

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